Nickelodeon signs Shaun the Sheep for Indian market

Nickelodeon has acquired the licensing and merchandising rights for popular children's animation Shaun the Sheep in India.

The firm signed the rights from the show's international creator Aardman Animations and has partnered with distributors Toy Triangle to deliver the range to the territory this June.

The new range includes Shaun the Sheep branded plush toys in various sizes and will be available in stores such as Hamleys and Landmark.

Nickelodeon India plans to build the popularity of the brand with plush key chains, further toys, a back-to-school range, novelties, apparel and more.

Sandeep Dahiya, SVP and business head, Consumer Products, Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd, said: "Shaun the Sheep as a show has connected extremely well with the audiences and we're confident that it will engage the audiences s much, outside television as well.

"Aardman Rights has done a great job in making Shaun the Sheep a phenomena in many markets across the world, and its addition surely further strengthens our licensing portfolio that already includes popular characters like SpongeBob Square Pants, Dora the Explorer, Ninja Hattori and Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles, among others."

Head of licensing at Aardman, Rob Goodchild, said: "Shaun the Sheep is one of our biggest properties and is a global favourite.

"We are happy to associate with Nickelodeon India to bring this exiting range for its Indian fans. I am sure Shaun the Sheep will be an instant hit with the kids in India as it has done internationally."

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